“Our mission was to help provide a roof over them and a full belly,” says Brian. “Knowing they have a safe place to sleep and a full refrigerator all the time, to me that’s a rewarding thing.”

Kids come into foster care for a variety of reasons. Ultimately, CEDARS’ goal is to either safely reunite children with their families or help find a permanent home for them. Until these goals can be achieved, foster families give kids stability and safety.

With offices in Lincoln and Bellevue, Nebraska-based CEDARS has been serving children and families for over 70 years. The CEDARS Foster Care team works every day to ensure that over 200 foster children and youth flourish in loving families. Because foster parents are an integral part of the CEDARS professional team, they are equipped with exceptional training, have access to support 24/7, monthly support groups, and quarterly gatherings for foster families.

CEDARS staff walk alongside children and families every step of the way. With encouragement, guidance and direction, the team has the honor of watching lives change.

“You don’t have to have a lot of kids in and out of the house,” says Carolyn. “CEDARS takes your information, what ages you’re interested in, and they don’t call you about every case. They call you about what’s going to fit with your family.”

It is important to know that there is no typical CEDARS foster family. CEDARS foster families include parents with children at home, single adults, and empty-nesters. To help, all you need is a stable home, an open heart, and a willingness to reach out to a child in need.